MDP expresses concern over undisclosed changes to local council elections

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has raised serious concerns over the government’s lack of transparency regarding planned changes to the upcoming local council elections scheduled for next year.

MDP representatives met with the Elections Commission (EC) on Wednesday to seek information and hold consultations on the election process. In a statement issued after the meeting, the party noted that the president and senior government officials have been discussing extensive amendments to the decentralization framework, including restructuring local councils, reducing the number of councilors, and abolishing atoll councils, which the government intends to submit to the People’s Majlis.

However, despite the election approaching, these proposed amendments have not been presented to parliament.

MDP stressed that there has been no consultation with political parties and no public engagement on the proposed changes. As a result, while it is clear that the government is preparing to alter the decentralization system, the specific details remain undisclosed, creating uncertainty for political parties and independent candidates preparing for the elections.

According to the party, the lack of defined constituencies in cities has already created practical challenges, such as the possibility of having to reselect candidates or conduct new primaries once the changes are implemented.

During the meeting with EC, MDP said it became evident that even the commission has not been briefed on the government’s proposed changes to the decentralization system.

The commission reportedly confirmed that it has not been consulted on the legislative amendments expected to be submitted to parliament.

MDP stated that this situation indicates the government’s intent to exploit its parliamentary majority to manipulate the electoral process by introducing last-minute amendments affecting key components of the decentralization framework, including electoral constituencies, council structures, and candidate eligibility.

Citing these concerns, MDP called on the government to immediately disclose all planned changes to the Elections Commission, political parties, and the public, emphasizing that the integrity of the upcoming local council elections depends on transparency and timely information.